How heavily do Bridal Saloons subsidise the alterations?

Bridal Saloon!!!

You just made my day. If I could smoke, drink and dance at my wedding store of choice, I would be thrilled.

I believe Salon is the word you want. ^_^

But as to the rates...you can always find cheaper somewhere else...but do you want to sacrifice quality? They are already cutting you slack for picking a bridesmaid's dress, and are charging you less for that. It depends on the place too.

For the store where I bought my dress, they have 5 inhouse seamstresses that do nothing but alter wedding gowns. They are paid not for what they sew, but a commission from the consultant that sold the dress plus their salary.

Everywhere varies--especially if the Salon is independently operated.

It really depends on what type of gown you have. There really is no going rate (as you state) because each dress is different. More material to work with the more you will be charged.

Why they are telling you they are charging a bridesmaid is incorrect as the a bridal shop doesn't really distinguish between the two. Usually you will pay less at an independent seamstress than at a bridal shop.

There is a few simple shortcuts bridal shops take but still charge you a higher price.